By Miss Kayla H. - 2010 Essay Contest Runner Up
Click. Eye contact. (I smile.) Eyes go down. And back up again. She walks away. Such is the scenario which plays over and over again in my day-to-day life – at the grocery store, at the fairground, at the post office. Yes, I am wearing a long skirt and a loosely-fitting shirt. It’s an outfit which I consider cute, but definitely not “normal” by worldly standards. I stick out – almost as much as a sore thumb – but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Nearly every individual on planet Earth makes an important decision each morning. No, it’s not what to eat for breakfast. The decision I’m referring to is what to wear. Most individuals do not realize the weight this decision holds. They conclude within the recesses of their hearts and minds, "It simply depends on my preferences. At the end of the day, no one else cares; what I wear only affects me." However, the Bible sings a different tune.
Scripture has established that we must put careful thought into our outward appearance. First Timothy 2:9: “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel…” For, “…man looketh on the outward appearance…” (1 Sam. 16:7) However, we will miss the forest for the tress unless we understand what is more important to God: the heart attitude which dictates that outward appearance. “…for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; …the Lord looketh on the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7)
Modesty is God’s prescription for a Christian girl’s dress and demeanor. Simply wearing a skirt will not suffice. Proverbs 11:22 says, “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.” It is interesting to note that the inner person (or pig) is primary, while the outer person (or pig) is secondary. In other words, the act of dressing modestly is great and pleasing to the Lord, but if it does not flow from a similarly pure and modest heart, it is as insignificant as a piece of jewelry.
Just as there are parts of our physical body which are to be reserved only for our future spouses, so there are parts of our inner person which are to be kept hidden from common view. The knowledge of a secret binds two hearts together. In a similar way, the relationship between a man and his wife holds special significance as they share the innermost thoughts and desires of their hearts with one another.
God designed the woman with unique emotional capabilities which are meant to be the glue which bonds her heart and the heart of her husband’s together. With indiscretion, a young woman can prematurely “glue” herself to a young man before marriage. There are two possibilities which may occur: She could be “glued” to the wrong person altogether or she could be “glued” to the right person at the wrong time. Either possibility is tragic and certainly not God’s best. For, “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” (Prov. 10:22)
A wise young lady will be cautious in her clothing choices, knowing that they not only affect her, but all those she meets. Sometimes it comes down to a simple pause before deciding which size to purchase. "Will I get this top in a small because it flatters my figure or a medium because this isn’t about me?" Edith Head, a costume designer during the ‘40’s and ‘50’s, has been quoted as saying, “A dress should be tight enough to show you're a woman and loose enough to prove you're a lady.” Whether or not you acknowledge it, your outward appearance sends a loud message as to the kind of girl you are.
Before walking out the door each day, we young ladies must ask ourselves if our appearance properly reflects the God we belong to. God is a God of order (1 Cor. 14). Does our apparel look neat and orderly? God is holy (1 Pet. 1:15). Does our apparel symbolize an inward desire to be holy in all manner of conversation? God is love (1 John 4:8). Does our apparel exude a genuine, self-sacrificing love for our brothers in Christ?
Oswald Chambers once said: “Preparation is not something suddenly
accomplished, but a process steadily maintained.” As young women, we are
to prepare for marriage as something that God may call us to at some point
in our lives. And, as part of the bride of Christ, we are to prepare for
our promised Bridegroom and the wedding that draws nearer every day.
Modesty of heart and body is an essential tool of preparation for each of
these unions. Keep that in mind the next time someone looks you up and
down.